A Chance of a Lifetime

May 01, 2014

Students explore Paris during international communication conference

Olivia Mendez, The Edge Volume XXVIII

Looking for an out-of-country experience that not only offers benefits in terms of being able to travel outside of the United States, but can also contribute towards education and possibly a career? This past Winter term a course was offered that allowed students to have this opportunity. Dr. Christian Vukasovich’s COM207 seminar took students from Oregon Tech to Paris, France in order to explore how journalism and marketing function in an international setting.

The trip to Paris allowed students to attend a seminar on international media and marketing, to network with leading industry experts, as well as to explore Paris, and to learn about Parisian culture. The course met throughout the Winter term, culminating with ten days in Paris from March 21st through the 31st during the semester break.

Most of the seminars were held at The American University in Paris, while other events included receptions with experts, a boat cruise on the Seine, and onsite lectures at media companies such as a visit to Liberation, one of France’s leading daily newspapers. According to Vukasovich, some of the students were able to line up externship opportunities through the contacts they made, and one student was also able to interview for a potential spot in a graduate school program in Paris.

Vukasovich also noted that students have plenty of time to explore the city when they are not attending the seminar. Several popular attractions that students experienced included the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Notre Dame cathedral, as well as museums including the Louvre, the Museum D’Orsay, and the Rodin Museum. Seminar student Natalie Ross, gave her thoughts on the Louvre explaining that “It was originally built for a kind and is now an art museum.” Ross also stated that they had the opportunity to see the real Mona Lisa.

Sarah Hold, another seminar student said that upon arrival they dropped off their bags where they were staying, and immediately set off to explore Paris. Hole mentioned how beautifully the Eiffel Tower lights up at night, and how those who attending wanted to get as much out of the trop as possible. “We didn’t want to let anything slip by because we wanted to experience as much as we could.” Nathan Bigby who also attending the seminar, stated that he definitely would go again if he was given the opportunity, and that others should go if they are given the chance.

While in Paris, Vukasovich said that students had to keep a daily journal or a blog to record what they learned at the seminars and the importance of it. The students who went to Paris presented their experiences in the College Union on Monday, April 28, 2014, and discussed what they learned and the benefits of the trip. The International Media Seminar offers a great opportunity for students who are seeking to broaden their networks, learn more about global media, and study in an international atmosphere filled with history, culture, and not to mention lots of fun.

About Oregon Tech’s Communication Studies Program
All professions seek people with solid communication skills. Oregon Tech’s Communication Studies program allows students flexibility in designing a program that fits their life and career goals. Students choose core courses and electives from areas such as technical, organizational, and interpersonal communication.

The Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies allows students flexibility in designing a program that fits their life and career goals. Students choose core courses and electives from areas such as technical, organizational, and interpersonal communication. In addition, students build a career foundation by completing a focused sequence of electives.